Nothing wrong with stepping up to SFI rated stuff......unless it's Procomp crap.

Not a real advantage leaving the water, it will change rpm easier with less inertia if the throttle isn't pulled back. It should be a big advantage on reentry for any mismatch of rpm to boat speed.

I doubt you'll get the boat out of gear at 700-880 RPM idle and at the at speed going into neutral, your going to eventually break something. The Alpha shift scenario is totally different than a Bravo or TRS. The lower the idle speed the easier it is on the outdrive.